Ballet Shoe

ABSTRACT

A ballet technique shoe has a forefoot piece and a heel piece connected by an elastic gusset, and has an elastic drawstring sleeve around the opening of the shoe which contains an elastic drawstring. An opening in the elastic drawstring sleeve is located on the side of the shoe near the ankle so that the drawstring is tied at the side area of the foot. The shoe includes an outsole and a shock absorbing insole.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dance footwear, specifically, the present invention relates to the dance shoes known as ballet shoes or ballet slippers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ballet dancers often wear soft dance shoes for practice and performance. A ballet dancer is expected to gracefully perform a range of movements ranging from standing, walking, running, leaping, and spinning in place. Throughout these movements the dancer's feet will continuously be moving through a range of positions from a standing position to an extended pointe position. The soft dance shoes allow for a dancer to easily manipulate the position of the foot while providing some support and protection.

Ballet shoes are typically made entirely from materials such as satin, leather, or and canvas. While these materials are flexible they do not provide any significant adjustable fit features apart from the typical drawstring around the top opening of the shoe.

A common problem of known ballet shoes in standard sizes (as opposed to custom-made, individually fitted ballet shoes) is that they fail to fit tightly and fail to conform to the dancer's feet during the execution of many ballet steps and poses. Loose ballet shoes are unattractive and uncomfortable under many circumstances.

In addition, a dancer's foot may swell or change in size over the course of a practice session or a performance due to the physical demands of the dance, and traditional ballet shoes can require frequent loosening and/or tightening and other adjustments to keep them properly in place.

Furthermore, young dancers whose feet are growing may find a standard ballet shoe size too large to begin with, but very quickly thereafter find the ballet shoe to be too small. For young dancers, this means frequently purchasing new ballet shoes to accommodate growing feet.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a dance shoe having an improved design providing a combination of elasticity and durability that provides a comfortable, snug fit, which also accommodates both short-term and long-term foot size changes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a dance shoe, commonly known as a ballet technique shoe or ballet slipper is provided. The dance shoe comprises a non-elastic forefoot piece, a non-elastic heel piece, and an elastic gusset. A lower edge of the forefoot piece is affixed to the gusset, and a lower edge of the heel piece is affixed to the gusset. An elastic drawstring sleeve, configured to accommodate an elastic drawstring, is affixed to the upper edges of the forefoot piece, gusset, and heel piece. The elastic drawstring sleeve is provided with an opening on the heel piece upper edge from which ends of the elastic drawstring extend. The drawstring opening is located on a side of the heel piece.

An outsole, which is a two part outsole or a unitary outsole, is affixed to the forefoot piece, gusset, and heel piece.

Further, in some embodiments the inner portion of the shoe will contain a shock absorbing insole. The shock absorbing insole comprises a shock absorbing pad and a sock liner. The shock absorbing insole is affixed to an interior of the shoe.

This and other embodiments are described in more detail in the following detailed descriptions and figures. The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the present invention. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, left side and front perspective view of a dance shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a back elevation view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom, right side, and front perspective view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1, featuring a two-piece outsole;

FIG. 9 is a bottom, right side, and front perspective view of another embodiment of the dance shoe of FIG. 1, featuring a one-piece unitary outsole.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1 along the line 11-11 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1 along the line 12-12 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1 along the line 13-13 of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, where like numerals indicate the same elements in the Figures, a dance shoe 20 is shown. Dance shoe 20 includes a forefoot piece 22, a heel piece 24, an elastic gusset 26, an elastic drawstring sleeve 28, an elastic drawstring 30, and first and second outsoles 32, 34. These components are preferably stitched together.

The forefoot piece 22 and heel piece 24 are preferably a woven or nonwoven material such as canvas, leather, suede, or any other fabric or material that suitably contains and supports the dancer's foot. Preferably the forefoot piece 22 and heel piece 24 are made of a non-elastic/non-stretchy fabric. Preferably the forefoot piece 22 is sized and shaped to surround and enclose the toe and ball areas of the dancer's foot, as well as some of the forefoot areas. Forefoot piece 22 has an upper edge 23. The heel piece 24 is sized and shaped to surround and enclose the heel area of the dancer's foot including the back, sides and bottom of the heel area. Heel piece 24 has an upper edge 25. The forefoot piece 22 and heel piece 24 extend toward the midsection of the dancer's foot but do not cover the midsection.

A heel reinforcement piece 38, seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, is a strip of fabric or other material located on the back of the shoe.

Gusset 26 is a center gusset, connecting the forefoot and heel pieces 22 and 24 of the dance shoe 20. Gusset 26 is made of an elastic or stretchy material. For example the gusset 26 could be made from elasticized nylon, polyester, spandex, and blends thereof, or other any elastic fabric. The gusset 26 is preferably composed of two symmetrical gusset pieces 26 a and 26 b and is sized to cover the midsection of a dancer's foot. Gusset 26 extends between the forefoot piece 22 and the heel piece 24. As seen in FIG. 10, the gusset pieces 26 a and 26 b are somewhat triangular or trapezoidal in shape. The two gusset pieces 26 a and 26 b are stitched together and to the forefoot piece 22 and the heel piece 24. Gusset pieces 26 a and 26 b have upper edges 27 a and 27 b which collectively form gusset upper edge 27.

Drawstring sleeve 28 accommodates a drawstring and is stitched to the top edges 23, 25 and 27 respectively of the forefoot piece 22, heel piece 24, and gusset 26. Drawstring sleeve 28 forms the top opening of the shoe that receives the performer's foot. The drawstring sleeve 28 is a hollow tubular sleeve formed of an elastic or stretchy material. For example drawstring sleeve 28 could be made from elasticized nylon, polyester, spandex, and blends thereof, or other any elastic fabric. Drawstring sleeve 28 is provided with an opening or openings 36. Preferably the opening or openings 36 are located on the heel piece upper edge 25. Most preferably, the opening or openings 36 are located on a side of the heel piece upper edge 25. The opening or openings 36 may be located on a rearward part of the side of the heel piece upper edge 25, or may be located more forwardly, adjacent the seam connecting the heel piece 24 to gusset 26.

Drawstring 30 is an elastic or stretchy cord or other suitable elastic cord, ribbon or drawstring. The ends of elastic drawstring extend out through the opening or openings 36 in drawstring sleeve 28 and may be tightened or loosened and tied in a bow to adjust tightness of the fit of the dance shoe 20.

The positioning of the opening or openings 36 in drawstring sleeve 28 on a side of the heel piece 22 increases comfort over traditional dance shoes. The position of the openings in the present invention reduces pressure points that cause discomfort. Dancers are required to conceal any knots or bows of the drawstring by tucking the knot or bow into the shoe, between the shoe and the dancer's foot. Traditional dance shoes have the drawstring bow located in the top front of the shoe, and tucking the knot into the shoe causes pressure on the front top of the foot. That pressure point is eliminated by moving the bow from the top front of the shoe to the side of the foot, where the foot's natural arch creates a space to receive the bow and knot, without putting pressure on the foot. Thus the dance shoe 20 eliminates problems of undesirable pressure on the dancer's foot.

In addition, the positioning of the opening or openings 36 in drawstring sleeve 28 on a side of the heel piece 22 increases the aesthetic value of the dance shoe by providing a cleaner, more graceful line from the leg to the foot, by eliminating the lump created by tucking the drawstring bow and knot between the tightly fitted forefoot of the shoe and the top of the foot. The side positioning of the drawstring bow and knot eliminates such visible lump and enhances the aesthetic value of the dance shoe.

The combination of an elastic gusset 26, elastic drawstring sleeve 28, and elastic drawstring 30 provides a significantly better fit as compared to conventional dance shoe constructions. The elastic components provide a degree of variation in the shoe so that a consistent, snug shoe fit is obtained over the course of a rehearsal or performance. Further, the elastic components provide enough size variation so that the dance shoe can be used by a growing dancer with a proper fit over a period of time, so the frequency of shoe replacement is reduced. In addition, the components contribute significantly to increased dancer comfort.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 8, a bottom view of the shoe illustrates a two part outsole which comprises a first outsole 32 and a second outsole 34. The first outsole 32 covers a portion of the bottom of the forefoot piece 22 preferably providing support and cushion for the performer's forefoot. The second outsole 34 is affixed to the bottom of the shoe 20 covering a portion of the heel piece 24. Each outsole 32, 34 is preferably generally ovoid or oblong shaped, but could be any suitable shape. The outsole 32, 34 may be made of any durable material including leather, suede, urethane, or any other suitable material and/or fabric selected to provide appropriate slip resistance.

Preferably, a forefoot backing piece 50 is positioned in the forefoot piece 22, and the first outsole 32 is stitched to the forefoot piece 22 and the forefoot backing piece 50, as well as the gusset 26, as seen in FIG. 11. A backing piece is not required in the heel piece 24, and the second outsole 34 can be stitched to the heel piece 34 and gusset 26, also as seen in FIG. 11.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of the invention having an outsole 33 formed of as a one piece unitary outsole instead of two separated outsole pieces. A dance shoe 20 having a unitary outsole 33 will have a slightly smaller degree of stretch and thus a slightly narrower fit range than a dance shoe 20 having a two part outsole 32, 34, however, it will still provide a greater fit range compared to traditional dance shoes. The outsole 33 may be made of any durable material including leather, suede, urethane, or any other suitable material and/or fabric selected to provide appropriate slip resistance.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 10, and FIGS. 11-13, the shoe has a shock absorbing insole 48. The shock absorbing insole comprises a shock absorbing pad 42 and a sock liner 44. The shock absorbing pad 42 is desirably made from a material which provides a degree of foot support as well as shock absortion. Appropriate materials include ionomer foams, urethane foam or foam rubber. Sock liner 44 is preferably a low slip material such as a nonwoven fabric. The shock absorbing insole 48 may be simply placed in the interior of the shoe 20 but preferably is glued to the lower interior portions of the shoe 20. Insole 48 also enhances comfort by creating a smooth surface along the foot bed, preventing dancer discomfort from protruding seams created by stitching together the shoe components.

A fabric lining is desirably affixed to an interior of the shoe in one or both of the forefoot piece and the heel piece. Preferably, a two part lining includes a forefoot lining 60 and a heel lining 62, as seen in FIG. 11. Linings 60, 62 improve comfort by covering seams and place a softer fabric lining adjacent the foot instead of the coarser, studier canvas or other materials use in the forefoot piece 32 and heel piece 34.

An elastic strap 64 for securing the shoe to the performer's foot is affixed at the base of the drawstring sleeve 28 on the inner side of the shoe. The strap 64 is preferably attached to opposite inner sides of the drawstring sleeve 28 near the middle of the shoe for stretching over the top of a performer's foot. In the most preferred embodiment, strap 64 is secured to only one side of the slipper, so that the dancer may attach the other end her/himself, thereby ensuring the optimum position, angle, and tension of the strap for his or her individual needs.

The present invention provides a dance shoe suitable for a dancer to use in practice or performance. The dance shoe of the present invention provides extra comfort and flexibility for the dancer.

The elasticized components provide the dance shoe of the present invention a snug fit but also allows for comfortable full range of motion. Additionally, the elasticized components makes the shoe usable over approximately one whole shoe size in foot growth, providing an expanded useful life for young dancers who are growing. This degree of stretch that accommodates a growth spurt has not heretofore been possible. A stretch gusset and elastic drawstring will not provide enough potential length variation to accommodate a one shoe size growth spurt. A one shoe size fit range is only possible due to the unique combination of the elastic gusset, elastic drawstring, and most importantly, the elastic drawstring sleeve.

While the invention has been described and illustrated as embodied in preferred forms of construction, it will be understood that various modifications may be made in the structure and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention recited in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dance shoe comprising: a forefoot piece formed of a non-elastic flexible material, the forefoot piece being shaped to receive a forefoot portion of a foot, the forefoot piece having an upper edge; a heel piece formed of a non-elastic flexible material, the heel piece being shaped to receive a rearward portion of the foot, the heel piece having an upper edge; an elastic gusset affixed to and extending between the forefoot piece and the heel piece, the gusset having an upper edge; an outsole affixed to one or both of the forefoot piece and the heel piece; an elastic drawstring sleeve affixed to the forefoot piece upper edge, the gusset upper edge and the heel piece upper edge; an elastic drawstring provided in the elastic drawstring sleeve.
 2. The dance shoe of claim 1, wherein the elastic drawstring sleeve is provided with an opening adjacent the heel piece from which ends of the elastic drawstring extend.
 3. The dance shoe of claim 2, wherein the drawstring opening is located on a side of the heel piece upper edge.
 4. The dance shoe of claim 1, wherein the outsole comprises: first outsole affixed to an exterior of the forefoot piece; and a second outsole affixed to an exterior of the heel piece.
 5. The dance shoe of claim 1, wherein the outsole comprises a unitary outsole.
 6. The dance shoe of claim 4, further comprising: a forefoot backing piece positioned in the forefoot piece, the first outsole being stitched to the forefoot piece and the forefoot backing piece.
 7. The dance shoe of claim 6, the first outsole also being stitched to the gusset, and second outsole also being stitched to gusset.
 8. The dance shoe of claim 6, further comprising a shock absorbing insole located within the dance shoe.
 9. The dance shoe of claim 2, further comprising a lining affixed to an interior of the shoe in one or both of the forefoot piece and the heel piece.
 10. The dance shoe of claim 2, further comprising a heel reinforcing strip located at the rear of the heel piece.
 11. A dance shoe comprising: an elastic material drawstring sleeve; an elastic material drawstring contained within the drawstring sleeve; an elastic material gusset; the gusset having two upper edges, a front edge and a back edge; the upper edges affixed to the drawstring sleeve; a forefoot piece comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge affixed to the drawstring sleeve, the lower edge affixed to the front edge of the gusset; a heel piece comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge affixed to the drawstring sleeve, the lower edge affixed to the back edge of the gusset; a first outsole affixed to an exterior of the forefoot piece; and a second outsole affixed to an exterior of the heel piece.
 12. The dance shoe of claim 11, further comprising: a shock absorbing insole positioned on an inner side of the dance shoe affixed to an interior of the forefoot piece.
 13. The dance shoe of claim 11, further comprising: a liner affixed to an interior of the shoe.
 14. A dance shoe comprising: a forefoot piece formed of a non-elastic flexible material, the forefoot piece being shaped to receive a forefoot portion of a foot, the forefoot piece having an upper edge; a heel piece formed of a non-elastic flexible material, the heel piece being shaped to receive a rearward portion of the foot, the heel piece having an upper edge; an elastic gusset stitched to and extending between the forefoot piece and the heel piece, the gusset having an upper edge; an outsole stitched to one or both of the forefoot piece and the heel piece; an elastic drawstring sleeve affixed to the forefoot piece upper edge, the gusset upper edge and the heel piece upper edge, the elastic drawstring sleeve having an opening adjacent the heel piece; an elastic drawstring provided in the elastic drawstring sleeve, the elastic drawstring having ends which extend from within the sleeve out through the opening; and a shock absorbing insole located within the dance shoe.
 15. The dance shoe of claim 14, wherein the drawstring opening is located on a side of the heel.
 16. The dance shoe of claim 15, wherein the outsole comprises: a first outsole stitched to the gusset and to the forefoot piece; and a second outsole stitched to the gusset and to the heel piece.
 17. The dance shoe of claim 15, wherein the outsole comprises a unitary outsole.
 18. The dance shoe of claim 16, further comprising a lining affixed to an interior of the shoe in one or both of the forefoot piece and the heel piece.
 19. The dance shoe of claim 16, further comprising a heel reinforcing strip stitched to the rear of the heel piece. 